The Cuban design house, Saday Modista, publicly expressed gratitude to Lis Cuesta, the wife of Miguel Díaz-Canel, for choosing to wear one of their creations during the Cuban leader's official visit to Vietnam. In a Facebook post, the brand highlighted that the long dress, inspired by the guayabera—an emblem of national identity—was part of Cuesta's attire during the formal events in Hanoi.
"Thank you to Lis Cuesta for placing her trust in Saday Modista for designing and crafting her dress, and especially for selecting the guayabera as a representation of Cuban elegance at this high-level meeting," the post from the company noted. The design house is a collaboration between several creators: Saday Rodríguez Cartaya, Vivian Acosta Meléndez, Laila Chaaban, and Yaimara Muñoz Mata.
Photographs shared on social media feature Cuesta alongside Ngô Thị Phương Ly, the wife of the Communist Party General Secretary of Vietnam, during various cultural and official activities. The designer emphasized the importance of showcasing Cuban culture on international stages.
However, the public appearance of the so-called "not first lady" amid a severe economic crisis in Cuba has sparked significant criticism. As the island grapples with power outages, shortages, and mass migration, Cuesta accompanies Díaz-Canel on an Asian tour aboard a chartered plane, reportedly costing over $11,000 per hour of flight, according to independent media outlets.
The leader's tour includes stops in Vietnam, China, and Laos, aiming to strengthen political and economic alliances at a time when Havana is desperately seeking external support.
Questions About Lis Cuesta's Public Appearance and Cuban Economic Crisis
Why did Saday Modista thank Lis Cuesta?
Saday Modista thanked Lis Cuesta for choosing to wear one of their designs during her official visit to Vietnam, highlighting the guayabera-inspired dress as a symbol of Cuban identity.
What sparked criticism regarding Lis Cuesta's appearance?
Lis Cuesta's public appearance drew criticism due to the severe economic crisis in Cuba, including power outages and shortages, while she traveled with Díaz-Canel on a costly Asian tour.
What is the significance of the guayabera in Cuban culture?
The guayabera is considered a symbol of Cuban identity and elegance, often representing the country's culture on international platforms.